Nervous about overcoming fears

seasoned hopeful · Jan 12, 2009

:heartbeat school is a scary thing. nursing school is very scary, because it is difficult and we are dealing with tools we have never used on procedures that we are yet to learn. the unknown is always really scary. i don't think you are alone in this, or i should say i know you are not alone in this (this girl is scared too). i think almost everyone has those fears of the unknown, but because we can not see inside others heads, and hear their hearts pounding and their palms sweat, we think we are the only ones. why does everyone else seem so confident, smart, coordinated, etc. they are probably thinking the same about you. by the time you start drawing blood, we will know how to do it. you will be practicing.

anyway, i guess what i am saying is i am scrared to death, too. but i guess why we spend so much time in school, so we can know how to do it. i have a feeling that you will do just fine......... :twocents:

gabriella86 · Jan 12, 2009

I hope so

coolpeach · Jan 12, 2009

I am in an RN program about to start second semester, and we don't even start needles until mid second semester so you have time. You will get to know everyone, have a million different other skills to be scared of, and a whole semester to build up to face that fear.

shrimpchips, LPN · Jan 12, 2009

That was one of my fears - I don't like getting needles, period. I start to get really anxious (almost like a small panic attack) every time I find myself having to get a TB test or tetorifice shot or blood drawn or anything. Even the sight of a needle somewhat scared me, but when we started doing injections it didn't bother me at all. I think maybe because I knew I wasn't going to be the one getting stuck with the needle :chuckle The first injection I ever gave was a flu shot. I volunteered at a flu shot & blood pressure clinic with other classmates and then some students at the junior level. I figured that I would be doing BP's since I was only a sophomore, but the juniors threw me right in to doing flu shots! First she demonstrated on a person, then I did the rest of them...my hands were shaking so bad and those clients could tell that I was nervous. After a couple it got really easy, and now I could stick people all day if I have the opportunity to I'm still terrified of needles, but only if I am receiving them.

...basically, I was able to sort of grow out of my fear, and I think you will, too. Just give it some time! Don't let one little thing ruin your dream of becoming a nurse. Good luck ! :nurse: :heartbeat

TRMR5 · Jan 22, 2009

I am in my second semester of nursing school, but am starting my first clinical next week. I am glad you asked this, I feel the same way! My husband had surgery yesterday, (he is fine) and I was a mess on the inside while he was getting prepped and his IV started, light headed, hot etc. I did maintain my composure. But afterwards in post op I was so much better, I think that when it is not you or someone close to you, it will be easier to handle, and If something starts to wig me out, I try to look at the overall picture, instead of that one skill. It is so easy to overfocus on the one thing that freaks you out! I may need a pep talk in a couple of weeks after starting, we'll see.....:wink2: But I watched her take out the IV, without fainting, so its a step in the right direction! LOL

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2009

I remember when someone at nursing school practiced finger sticks on me, I was petrified !